Colorado Rapids to continue roster building ahead of 2022 season: 'We’re not done yet'

The Colorado Rapids have seen quite a busy offseason. 

The club exported USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta to LAFC and Cole Bassett to Feyernoord before bringing Brazilian midfielder Max Alvez, former FC Dallas Designated Player Bryan Acosta and US youth international Aboubacar Keita. 

But Rapids EVP and general manager Padraig Smith insists there’s so much more to come. 

“We’re not done yet, there’s no doubt about that," Smith said during a virtual press conference. 

“We’re looking to add in the attacking area.”

While the Rapids saw six players scoring four or more goals in 2021, the team bowed out of the MLS Cup playoffs with a shutout loss. This wouldn’t be the first time, as the Rapids also lost during their Round One game in 2020 in a 3-0 defeat to Minnesota United FC. 

Now, Smith admits the club wants to strengthen their front line with potential Designated Player-level figures. The club has three DP spots on their roster after declining the option to purchase Russia's FC Krasnodar loanee Younes Namli. 

“We’re already looking at a number of players who would be a DP-level No. 9 or TAM-level No. 9," Smith said. 

"I just look at these mechanisms as ways to make our team stronger. Last year we finished top of the Western Conference but we can’t be complacent. We need to move forward."

Beyond new talent, Smith also pointed out young center forward Darren Yapi as an exciting new prospect looking to earn minutes in the upcoming season. 

“Darren Yapi is one of the most exciting 17-year-olds we have in the entire country," Smith said.

The young player has spent time training with Arsenal and Club Brugge. 

The Colorado Rapids return to action on February 17 when facing Guatemalan club Comunicaciones FC in the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 match. 

Their 2022 Major League Soccer campaign starts on February 26 as they travel to Los Angeles to face LAFC.